Iwashimizu Hachimangu Shrine is located on top of Mt.Otokoyama. It takes only 5 minutes by a cable car to arrive. Otokoyama mountain was originally covered with bamboo. Wild birds are nestled in nature.Ancient Emperor who protected the country is enshrined as a symbol of sacred warrior. The foundation dates back to 859. Today's shrine buildings were dedicated by the Tokugawa Shogun Government in early 1600, and its brilliant color was restored recently. Principal Shinto Priest pretends cutting evils with a branch of Peach in 4 directions, while saying "Oni evils, go away!" During the ceremony, fierce looking Oni evils appear. Shinto priests, Shrine maidens, and parishioners are ready to throw beans to expel Oni evils. A shinto preiest might have something in his mind when expelling. It was so real! All the local people got together in Iwashimizu Hachimangu Shrine to clear the evils of the past year, and welcome the arrival of spring according to the lunar calendar, even if it is still in the midst of winter. We could feel warm and clean due to the hustling event in winter On return, I took the main route reversely on foot. Bamboo here is well known for the first use as the filament of electric bulb by Thomas Edison. In front of Yawata-shi Station, there is a sweet shop. The most popular sweet is the sword shaped sweet. Yawata-shi City is 20 minutes away from downtown of Kyoto by Keihan Railway. Good hiking in the suburb.

Oni demon dance is the highlight of Rozanji Temple. The history dates back to around 950. Demons were surrendered during the holy fire ceremony conducted by the then Emperor Murakami and monks. Your sickness will be cured by one of the demons who were surrendered to help people.

During the holy fire ceremony, the three demons try to disturb it, though they were expelled by special power of the ceremony and mochi rice cake thrown by the monks. The red demon with sword represents human's greed, green with ox anger, black with mallet complain. All these worldly desires will be containted.I had again a good catch, and I bought a bag of beans coated with sugar, wishing for longevity. 2 beans are supposed to extend the lifespan for 6 years.

As we approach Yasaka Shrine along Shijo St., interesting looking senior costume players are hanging around. Feb. 3rd is Setsubun, the day before the beginning of spring according to the lunar calendar. At Yasaka Shrine, the heart of Gion geisha quarter, the performances to dedicate the deity took place. It was followed by bean throwing ceremony to expel disasters and invite gool luck.Imayo traditional dance was performed by the members for restoring this ancient dance. Beans were thrown from the stage to the spectators who were waiting for particularly this moment in the cold. Although it was very difficult to take beans and pictures at the same time, I got one! Imayo was like trendy pop songs and dances in around 1200. It was called male dance, as the dancer ware a male dress and hat. Dances were performed by professionals, like geisha.